Council seeks views on Ōkaihau speed humps to improve safety on Settlers’ Way

The Okaikau Community Association is hoping to have speed bumps installed along Settlers Way. Photo / Google

Calls for safer speeds in Ōkaihau have grown stronger after a fatal accident earlier this year.

The Far North District Council is now asking people who live in or travel through the town to share their views on a proposal to install up to four rubber speed humps on Settlers’ Way.

Earlier this year, the Ōkaihau Community Association lodged a formal petition, with the Kaikohe Hokianga Community Board, seeking immediate action on Settlers Way, which connects to State Highway 1 and serves the Ōkaihau commercial centre.

The death of 19-year-old cyclist Matthew Howard, who was struck on Settlers Way in January, reignited the Ōkaihau community’s push for urgent traffic-calming measures.

Following the petition, the transport committee looked at installing two crossings for Ōkaihau – one permanent one at the college crossing (to be a raised pedestrian crossing) and another rubberised one.

The council’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee, Te Koukou, is now calling for people who live in Ōkaihau or regularly travel this road to give feedback to help guide and ensure the right number of speed humps are installed along town’s main street between State Highway 1 and the intersection with Hulme Drive, west of Ōkaihau Primary School and Ōkaihau College.

“Speed humps are a simple way to slow vehicles and make the road safer for everyone,” council said in a statement.

“Installing the maximum option of four speed humps would slow traffic consistently along the full length of Settlers’ Way, as vehicles would have fewer opportunities to speed up between humps.”

Ōkaihau Community Association chairman Blue Newport said “the priority is to achieve consistently slower speeds through town”.

“With schools, sports clubs, local businesses and more cyclists from the Pou Herenga Tai / Twin Coast Cycle Trail using Settlers’ Way, safer speeds are essential.”

The survey can be found on the council’s consultation page and submissions can be made until October 12.

A drop-in session will be held at the Ōkaihau Community Hall on Wednesday September 24 between 4.30pm and 6pm.

Residents are welcome to drop in at any time during the session hours to talk with council staff and provide feedback.